The prevalence and natural history of periodontal disease in Britain from prehistoric to modern times.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of periodontitis in British populations during the past 3000 years. To discuss the relevance of these findings to modern populations denied access to modern dental treatment.

DESIGN

Observation and assessment of periodontal status of skeletal material using a recently developed method of assessment.

SETTING

Archaeological material from various collections throughout UK covering prehistoric, mediaeval and seventeenth to nineteenth century.

SUBJECTS

504 individuals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The periodontal status of individual septa was recorded as to whether they were healthy, had gingivitis or periodontitis. The prevalence of periodontitis among individuals and populations was assessed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of periodontitis appears to have remained virtually constant during the past 3000 years in Britain, despite considerable changes in the oral environment.

CONCLUSIONS

The significance of these findings in respect of untreated populations in underdeveloped countries today is considerable. It is considered essential that clinical and field studies record and report on oral environmental factors that may mimic or, by themselves, be responsible for periodontal attachment loss.